DRUG, CRIME POLICIES UPSIDE DOWN

In The Oregonian for July 27, I saw two seemingly unrelated articles. One
discussed the unwillingness of the Office of National Drug Control Policy
to deal with the methamphetamine problem since it focuses to an irrational
degree on marijuana ("Meth panel demands leadership").

The other article detailed Multnomah County Sheriff Bernie Giusto's going
to great lengths to help a wealthy domestic-abuse victim ("Sheriff lends
extra help to 'close friend' "). That article went on further to reveal the
unconscionable lack of justice and protection for abused women and children
in an overloaded system.

Let me get this straight: Our "leaders" think we need to continue to throw
harmless people in jail for marijuana because it is somehow dangerous to
families. Meanwhile, actual dangers to families -- such as meth addiction
and terrifying levels of domestic violence -- go ignored.

Maybe it is time for cannabis legalization. And maybe it is time to replace
our "leaders" with individuals who actually care about the people. End the
violence!

JOSHUA SEEDS

Southeast Portland